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Industrial Hub: Ajimobi assures landowners of compensation.
GOVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state on Tuesday assured landowners at Akilapa and Kuponiyi villages along Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Oluyole Local Government Area of the state that he would pay due compensation for all lands acquired for industrial purpose.
The assurance was given through the state Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ajiboye Omodeewu at a meeting held with the representatives of landowners from the villages where parcel of land were acquired by the government for its industrial revolution.
Ajimobi explained that for ease of doing business and trade in the State, land must be made available to investors so as to increase government’s internally-generated revenue (IGR), create employment and wealth, reflate the economy as well as industrialize the state.
The Governor said, “we all need to make sacrifice for good things we desire and we as the representative of the government are ready to ensure that we follow due diligence and do the needful for the people of the state. We are ready to pay compensation to the landowners but we will initially enumerate properties according to the stipulation of law.
“The request of the villagers on what will benefit them when the foreign companies start working is natural and we want to assure that the companies will abide by the corporate social responsibility code. They will provide social amenities for the people and these might include the establishment of hospitals, schools and other benefits.
“We implore our people to key into the vision of the government towards increasing employment opportunities, wealth creation and building financial capacity through industrialization,” Governor Ajimobi concluded.
In his remarks, the leader of the delegation from the two villages, Alhaji Rasaq Akilapa said that the people in the communities shared the vision of the Ajimobi administration to create an industrial hub in their villages through the Pacesetter-Polaris Free Trade Zone and Industrial park.
Akilapa informed reporters of the readiness of the dwellers of both villages to always support the government in improving the quality of lives of residents of Oyo State.
He, therefore called on the government to speed up the compensation process saying “the people of Akilapa and Kuponiyi communities where the Free Trade Zone and the Industrial park are located are happy for development and we know we will be the most benefitting party. Our prayer is that the compensation payment be fast tracked.”
It will be recalled that the State government went into collaboration with about 175 investors from China have expressed readiness to stake multimillion dollars in investments towards the Pacesetter-Polaris Free Trade Zone project in November 2016. The companies include vehicle-assembly plants, solar power manufacturers among others. The first set of investors is expected this month.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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